Sanyo Xacti VPC-CA6OR 6MP MPEG4 Weatherproof Digital Camcorder w/5x Optical Zoom

by Sanyo

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 7 x 5.3 x 4 inches ; 5.4 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000DZKVSS
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #15,379 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: July 8, 2006

Product Description

Manufacturer Description

Manufacturer Description The Sanyo VPC-CA6 Xacti digital media camera combines the functionality of a digital camera and digital camcorder in a compact, weather-resistant design, and records both 6-megapixel still images and 640 x 480 resolution digital video.

For your convenience, digital pictures and video are easily stored to a standard SD flash memory card (sold separately). Designed to meet the international protection level IPX4, the VPC-CA6 is "protected" from splash in all directions.

Xacti VPC-CA6 Highlights

Advanced MPEG-4 technology
The Xacti CA6 features Sanyo's proprietary MPEG-4 engine to execute a vast number of calculations in a short period of time. This engine enables the Xacti CA6’s advanced real-time MPEG-4 compression. Recording in the global multimedia standard, MPEG-4 delivers exceptional video clarity and detail while being exceptionally efficient in the way it records digital information. The results are high-quality videos that are saved in smaller files.

2.0-inch LCD screen
The CA6 features an incredibly clear 2.2-inch, Sanyo-developed Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) with 210,000 total pixels. The display flips out from the camera and rotates up to 285 degrees on an axis that allows you to take great video or still images from otherwise difficult positions.

6.37-megapixel CCD image sensor
Inside the CA6 digital media camera is an advanced 6.37-megapixel (total) CCD image sensor to capture high-quality digital videos (at a very smooth and natural 30 fps!), with full-range stereo sound.

Multiple shooting modes
The CA6 features five shooting modes, which allow you to capture the content based on how it will be used. Whether you are shooting for TV or DVD, for a personal media player such as the iPod or using the camera as a high-quality webcam, the CA6 can be switched to the shooting mode best suited for your needs.

Record specifically for your personal media player
The CA6 has a recording mode designed specifically to capture video destined for the iPod video or other MPEG4 capable media players. Shooting in the new Web-SHQ mode, you videos will be captured at 320 x 240 pixels at 30 frames-per-second -- perfect for some of the most popular personal media players available.

Capture still and videos simultaneously
The Xacti CA6 enables simultaneous shooting of 6-megapixel still images and 640 x 480-pixel video clips with a simple press of the shutter button during the shooting of a movie clip. Users will never need to miss another precious photo opportunity. (Depending on the mode used to take still images, simultaneous video clip shooting may be interrupted. While shooting video clips, using the digital image stabilizer may change the angle of view for still images.)

Record to standard SD memory cards
The CA6 can record up to two hours of standard-definition (640 x 480 resolution) video on a standard 2GB SD memory card (sold separately).

High-quality digital stereo recording
The Xacti CA6's 48 kHz, 16-bit, 2-channel sound for AAC-LC (MPEG-4 Audio) provides a sense of audio reality to complement those important moments.

Built-in image stabilization
The SANYO Xacti CA6 comes with a sophisticated image stabilizer. Using a proprietary SANYO algorithm, the CA6 automatically compensates for distracting up-and-down or side-to-side camera movement, keeping your subject steady and easy to follow. It accurately distinguishes between unintentional camera shake and deliberate camera movement. This handy feature operates in both wide-angle and telephoto modes, giving every shot a solid, professional-looking feel.

Sleek, ergonomic design
On or off, the CA6 is a true work of art. Ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand, all video and still functions can be easily accessed with your thumb. Aside from making everything much simpler and easier to use, this 'one thumb' interface lets you enjoy -- and be a part of -- each precious moment you record.

5x digital zoom lets you get close to the action

5x optical zoom / 12x digital zoom
The CA6 digital media camera features a highly efficient 5x optical zoom with a bright maximum aperture of f/3.5. The CA6’s lens also provides a fantastic field-of-view with a 38-190 mm range (35 mm equivalent). Combined with the 12x digital zoom, the CA6 provides up to 60x zooming capability.

Super-fast start up
Reduce your chance of missing the moment. The Xacti CA6 media camera is designed for super fast start-up and shooting. With the tapeless design, the CA6 eliminates the need to queue up a tape deck, so you can start recording right away. When the CA6 is powered on, closing the LCD display puts the CA6 in standby mode. Simply open the display and the CA6 automatically powers up and can begin immediately recording in as little as 1.7 seconds.

Sanyo Lithium-ion battery
The Xacti CA6 includes a high-capacity Sanyo brand lithium-ion battery. The DBL-L20U is a high-voltage 3.7-volt battery designed to work with the SANYO Xacti CA6 camera. High-energy density design minimizes the battery size and weight, making it perfect for use in small portable cameras. The DBL-L20 is designed to resist memory accumulation so it provides a full charge every time.

Easy connection to TV, VCR, DVD recorder or computer
The Xacti CA6 enables easy playback of recorded video directly on a TV screen. Connect the CA6 to a VCR or DVD recorder to back-up copies of recorded content. Still images and video clips on the Xacti CA6 are played back continuously and in chronological order. The Xacti CA6 also offers convenient connection to a PC. With simple drag-and-drop operation, it's easy to save recorded video clips and still images onto a computer's hard disk for emailing, editing, or archiving.

Product Description

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Sweet Little Xacti CA6, January 22, 2007

By 

Scott Cooper "Nimrod" (Ohio USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sanyo Xacti VPC-CA6OR 6MP MPEG4 Weatherproof Digital Camcorder w/5x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

The CA6 was not available in any local stores so I researched the smack out of this video camera on the web before I bought it from Amazon. I thought I knew exactly what I was getting but the box contained a big surprise. I was expecting something small and utilitarian. Instead, I got a beautiful little jewel. It is delightful to look at and fun to hold. Grant you I am always fascinated with unusual design and shape.

The camera was a Christmas gift for my wife and I wanted to set it up before Christmas day so she could unwrap it and start filming (film?). The Instruction book is as impressive as the camera itself. Not for design but for its volume and it is all in English. I still haven't managed to digest but a few sections.

Video quality is excellent for our purpose. There are six different video resolutions and a variety of photo resolutions available in the easy to use menu system. The SHQ TV resolution is really stunning when you consider the miniscule sized gizmo that created it. We took the camera to Key West last week and recorded in SHQ WEB (320x240 / 30fps) resolution (perfect for making videos for sharing on the web). Every time you start and stop recording, a new MPEG4 file is created on the SD memory card. Using the photo function creates a high resolution JPEG file. At the end of the trip we had a couple of hundred files to download onto the Mac. We are currently editing the files into a movie with iMovie. At the smaller video resolution I was able to get about three hours of MPEG4 files and forty-two high resolution JPEG (2816x2112) files on less than half of the 2gb SD card. The same memory card holds about an hour and a half of video at the highest resolution setting (640x480 / 30fps at minimum compression).

Image stabilization works well enough for moderate hand movement but it didn't keep up with rough water on a sailboat around Key West. I wish the zoom range had more field of view on the wide end but it is tighter than I expected on the telephoto end. This is not a camera for long distance tight shots of wild animals or beach bunnies. It has no tripod mount so the telephoto power is just long enough for the image stabilizer to cope with when hand holding the camera on steady ground.

My hands are really too large for the controls but I found ways to adapt. It fits my wife perfectly. The CA6 is supplied with a hand strap to keep the camera tethered to your body and supply leverage for one handed use. I use the strap mostly for accident prevention and use my left hand to stabilize the camera by holding the outside of the frame of the view screen while delicately mashing the controls with my fat thumb on my right hand. Even with the hand tether attached to the camera we easily carried the camera and tether in our pockets without any problems and I was able to do some incognito filming on Duval Street. The relatively large (and very bright) view screen can be folded back against the camera while recording (folding the view screen back to the camera while not recording or reviewing shuts the camera off) for "shoot from the hip" filming.

Along with a small carrying pouch and a 2 or 4gb High Speed SD memory card, I recommend an additional battery as a necessary accessory. The tiny battery powers the camera in video mode for an hour or so but using the built in flash for photos knocks the small cell down in hurray. Reviewing and messing with the menu also cuts into battery duration. The lithium ion battery is physically smaller than my cell phone battery and recharges in less than two hours. In use it is completely enclosed inside the camera. The Sanyo OEM battery is easy to find on the web and there are a number of less expensive, alternative brands made to fit the Xacti cameras. Also, gentle use of an absorbent lens cloth will keep the view screen and the lens window clean.

The CA6 lacks convenience features that would make it larger and susceptible to problems from dirt and water. There are no ports, jacks or connections on the outside of the camera. The Battery, memory card and USB port access are located under a well designed, seal tight door on the bottom of the camera. A minimal control panel increases durability but somewhat limits easy access to the many system features. All adjustments are made by navigating through the menu on the view screen via the use of your right thumb and the tiniest joystick I have ever seen. It turned out to be much easier to use than I though it would and there is a provision to program favorite settings into some "short-cut" moves on the control stick. Above the menu control is a button for starting and stopping the video recording and another for making photos. A half-inch space and small ridge separates the two controls. Between the exposure / record buttons and the menu control are tiny buttons that activate the menu system and select the mode (puts the camera in record or playback).

Considerations for design and purpose aside, I have some issues that Sanyo should consider. The camera needs an accessory cradle of some sort that would allow it to be placed on a mounting thread. There are a number of features offered on the camera that are next too useless unless I innovate some method of remotely stabilizing it. Gaffers tape works for fastening it on a mounting clamp, monopod or walking staff but I hate putting anything sticky on the beautiful little frame. While Sanyo designs a mounting system they should also make a remote control.

Focusing and exposure are controlled by a sophisticated, multi-pattern, through-the-lens computer program that works well with a polarizing filter (I used my sun glasses) for enhanced image quality. So why is there no provision to thread a small diameter filter over the round lens window opening?

The sound recording quality is very good and the selectable noise filters work better than I expected but I don't see the point to using up the data space for stereo sound when the separation between the left and right channel microphones is a few millimeters. I haven't digested all 166 pages of the instruction book but so far I can't find any provision for recording in mono sound mode. Finally, motor noise from the zoom lens is noticeable in low noise situations. Even though I seldom use the zoom function while recording and I realize this is a common issue in small video cameras but it still bugs me. We usually strip away most the recorded sound and replace it with music or dubbing when editing videos anyway.

Brandishing the CA6 in a crowd will attract attention. As soon as people realize it is a video camera they are on it like flies on poop. My wife likes the attention but I prefer to be unhampered with other people's curiosity.

Sanyo supplies a suite of video/photo editing and DVD burning software for PC users. The CA6 lacks FireWire connectivity for live editing on Macs and there is no Mac compatible software supplied but the camera syncs well as a card reader with my Mac through the USB port for downloading the files to the hard drive. Any Mac owner savvy enough to edit video files and burn DVD's already has the software to accomplish the task. The camera also possesses surprisingly extensive onboard-editing capability through the viewing screen or on your television. Sanyo supplies a cord that plugs into the USB connection and provides a composite video and stereo sound output for your television system where you can view and edit your video and photo files utilizing the camera's amazing menu array. I have no idea about battery duration for this purpose and there is no external power input to the camera (the battery has an external charging cradle). Be aware that lower resolution video file settings look fine on a computer but they are nasty on your television.

Overall the camera is beautiful, reliable and fun to use with lots of features. It is tiny, easy to hide, fast starting, durable, water and dirt resistant. The images are very good. I am delighted with the Exacti CA6 so far (when I can get it away from my wife).

28 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Alright - but with major limitations, December 11, 2006

By 

M. Franz (Georgia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sanyo Xacti VPC-CA6OR 6MP MPEG4 Weatherproof Digital Camcorder w/5x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

This camcorder is truly a mixed bag and whether you end up liking it or not is highly contingent on your prior experience with camcorders and your expectations regarding a price/value dependency.

This is my first camcorder - ever, and I purchased it simply to find out if I would like recording movies. As such, I was looking for a small, light-weight camera that recorded on either an HD or a card. I ruled out other media due to the very extreme climate in my area.

One problem with using such a media is that your prospective camcorder will have to encode and compress your movies so that they can be stored on the SD-Card. The compression used here is not exactly suited for movies - especially if you need or want to edit them. Before you can do so, you need to convert them to a more suitable format - which is not to say that you won't be able to watch individual clips. They work fine with Quicktime.

The quality of the clips is also not great - but acceptable considering the price of the camcorder. However, it does not compare to the more conventional Mini-DV format - at all! On the upside, recorded clips are much better than those recorded with a standard digital (still) camera.

Taking still images with this camera is also not great - you will get much better quality with just about any cheap digital still camera - despite the touted 6 MP.

Focus is very slow and often inaccurate, especially in low-light or low-contrast situations. While the phsyical zoom is quite usable, the digital zoom should have simply been skipped. The image becomes very grainy is out of focus as soon as you use the digital zoom.

Sound quality is also quite poor, especially if it's windy - and there is not much else to be said.

I addition, the camera has a very cheap feel to it - something you might want to consider. But so far, it is very dependable and certainly convenient to carry around. I was actually quite amazed by the extremely small size and the possibilities it affords. You CAN take it anywhere and I won't be a bother.

Despite the mentioned downsides, I am quite happy with my experience. This camcorder does exactly what I expected it to do - but not more. I've only had it for a month and I am ready to purchase something more serious. If you are looking for something to bring along on your daily adventures, it probably doesn't get much better than this. Be aware, though, that there are huge limitations with this camera that can be very bothersome.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Slick Xacti Camera - Love it, January 11, 2007

By 

H. M. Fielding (Angola, West Africa) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sanyo Xacti VPC-CA6OR 6MP MPEG4 Weatherproof Digital Camcorder w/5x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

We bought this camera right before going on vacation and found it extremely handy and convenient. We took great video and great pictures with it. Here are some advantages and disadvantages we found:

Advantages:
1. Very small and compact - had it in a small camera bag attached on my belt. It was ready in a moments notice to take video and pictures. I was able to take it places that a regular camera would likely not go (roller coaster ride, water ride). Having it at all times on my hip was very handy, and it never got in the way.

2. Water resistant - Our last camera went dead because of humidity and water. I took this camera on a water ride with my son, filmed the whole thing, got soaked, and no problems with the camera.

3. Great outdoor pictures - excellent looking pictures outdoors. In doors was good if there was enough light. Flash is very poor and does not go very far (understandable given the small compact battery).

4. Lots of settings - even with this small camera, there were plenty of settings (wind reduction, noise reduction, image stabilization, ISO settings, exposure, flash, white balance, etc.)

5. Video compression - I found the video compression not as good as a miniDV tape, but still extremely good, given that I could record 1.5 to 2 hours of video on my single 2GB SD card (we also bought exta, which easily fit in the bag)

6. Battery - With the small battery, the total time did not last long (1 hour), but we could carry several other batteries in our bag (same one attached to my hip) and never lost out because of battery failure (we had 4)

7. Flip screen - all you do is flip the screen out, and the camera is on, ready to go with pictures or video. Can do it with one hand. Same for shutting it off.

Disadvantages:
1. No view finder - only the screen to see what you were videoing, however I was amazed at how well I could see the screen even in direct sunlight.

2. Low light pictures - like I said, the flash is poor and does not put out much power. There is a "candle" setting that helps take pictures in dark places, but you have to keep the camera very steady because it keeps the aperture open longer.

3. Cables - one more cable to add to my stash. It is a type that has USB on one end (for the computer) and a new plug (not sure what it is called) that is used for both video out put and USB output. However, I never had to use this given that my laptop has an SD slot so all I had to do was remove the card and slip it into the laptop to download everything.

4. Pistol grip - at first this was way awkward, but with time I learned to hold it very comfortably and still operate everything just fine. Got to keep tabs on your index finger as it is easy to place it over the lense. I held it much more comfortably after I began using the strap, which I put over my hand, and in more questionable situations, I strapped it over my wrist.

5. Zoom - only 5x zoom, and it was a little slow in zooming, but actually made the playback look smoother, so pick your poison.

6. Photos while video shooting - While you can take a photo during video recording, it does freeze the video for a few seconds while it records the picture. Nice to have, but I thought the video would still be seemless. I usually don't use this feature, but it has turned out handy.

7. Non-swivel screen - the screen flips out, but does not swivel in any other direction. Open or closed (and in closed position, the screen is visible and open to possible damage. This made it a little harder to film things at times where I wasn't directly behind the camera.

We love the camera, and are so glad we have it. Quality is near miniDV, and the software we use (Nero 7) works great with MP4 and is a snap to turn into a DVD. The only reason we gave it a 4 rating instead of a 5 is due to the few small disadvantages it had and for the plain and simple fact that the camera features do not replace all the features you would find on a dedicated digital camera. But you bought it for video, right? So how can I complain about the 80% excellent quality I got from the pictures I did take? Hence the 4 out of 5.
In the end, we got more video footage than we would have with a larger video camera for the simple fact of its wonderfully small size.